Method and apparatus for position orientation of a metal halide lamp base assembly

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus for position orienting a base assembly of a metal halide lamp is describe for maintaining the curved arc tube in the upward position when the lamp is inserted in a socket. Once the lamp has been fully assembled and sealed a locator structure is attached to the base shell in order to create a base assembly which will properly position the lamp when it is in the socket. The welding apparatus of the present invention resistance welds the locator structure onto the base shell once the locator structure has been aligned approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise from the tip of the curved portion of the arc tube when viewed from the dome end of the lamp. The lamp resulting from the method and use of the apparatus will be more inexpensive and will not have the problems of a loose base or a cracked seal.

This is a divisional application of co-pending application Ser. No.810,953 filed on Dec. 19, 1985.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to metal halide lamps and inparticular to a method and apparatus for position orienting a metalhalide lamp base with respect to curved arc tube.

BACKGROUND

Metal halide lamps that are made with curved or arched arc tubes must beoperated horizontally with the curve of the arc tube in the upward orarch uppermost position (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,078). To accomplishthis, the base and socket must provide a means of interlocking such thatwhen the lamp is screwed into the socket firmly, the arc tube curve willbe upward. Presently, the socket used has a notch and the base has a pinadded to it so that when the lamp is screwed into the socket, it willstop in a predetermined position. This is in contrast to the usual screwtype base that is used with prior art commercial metal halide lamps; ascrew type base is not a positioning base and can be used in prior artlamps since the arc tubes thereof are straight cylinders.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, which will aid in clearly illustratingany problems associated with the prior art lamp bases. FIG. 1illustrates a typical lamp base 10 comprised of a base shell 12, a baseeyelet 14 and a base pin 16. FIG. 1 also illustrates a headed brass pin16 which is affixed into and protrudes from base shell 12 in order toposition the curved arc tube of a metal halide lamp. FIG. 2 illustratesa cross section of a typical socket 20 made of a porcelain casing 22that has been partially cut away such that notch 24 can be seen. To makethe pin and notch arrangement workable, a given dimension of X, X beingabout one inch with a positive tolerance of 1/32 of an inch wasestablished between base eyelet 14 and pin 16, in FIG. 1. Notch 24(illustrated in FIG. 2) in the socket shell 26 is located such that whenbase pin 16 is within the dimensions stated, eyelet 14 on base shell 12will make contact with tab 28 in the socket. The tolerance of plus 1/32of an inch translates into rotational tolerance of about 45 degrees ofrotation or about 5/8 of an inch distance along the crest of the threadon which the pin is located.

The present method of pinning and attaching the base to the lamp is asfollows: a hole is drilled in base shell 12 on the crest of the threadto meet the dimension stated with respect to FIG. 1. A headed brass pin16 is then inserted into the hole with the head on the inside of baseshell 12 and securely soldered in place. Since the soldering discolorsthe brass, the use of a nickel base is necessary for good cosmetics.During the lamp sealing process, four dimples are molded into the sealto permit a threaded inner shell having tabs with corresponding dimplesto be snapped in place. Once in place, base shell 12 is securely screwedonto the inner shell and then is staked or pierced in three places tolock it to the inner shell.

When sealing lamps with a curved arc tube, the tip on the arc tube islocated with respect to one of the dimples in the mold. In the basingprocess, the inner shell is selectively snapped into place such that thethread location on the inner shell corresponds to the dimple orientationaccomplished during the sealing process. When the base is screwed ontothe inner shell, the pin should be approximately 90 degreescounterclockwise from the tip on the curved portion of the arc tube whenviewed from the dome end of the metal halide lamp. FIG. 3 illustrates ametal halide discharge lamp 30 when viewed from the top dome end lookingdown onto the lamp. Lamp 30 has an outer envelope 32, a curved arc tube34, arc tube pressed end 36, an arc tube tip 38, a base shell 40 and alocating pin 42 similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 also illustrates a plane ofthe arc tube and support structure which runs along the line B-B'. A 90degree angle is marked between the plane of the arc tube B-B' and theplane created by the arc tube and the locating pin marked C-C'.

The position orientation or locating arrangement in the past has notbeen very accurate, since the base has normally been manually screwedonto the inner shell until snug then the pin location is checked withrespect to plane B-B' to see if the angle between them is 90 degrees ±5degrees. If the angle is not within this range, the base must beloosened or tightened to meet the requirement. This action allows for acertain amount of movement to meet the angular requirement. however ifthe base is backed off too much from the snug position, the base will beloose after staking. If the base is over torqued, the lamp seal willcrack. In either case, the lamp is rejected. The problems associatedwith the present pin locating methods are as follows: possiblerejections may occur due to the loose base or cracked seal and overtorquing can cause severe field and life problems. The present methoddoes not lend itself well to an efficient assembly line operation andpredrilling of bases and soldering pins on are time consuming andexpensive. Since soldering discolors a brass base, nickel plated basesmust be used for good cosmetics, therefore nickel plating is an addedexpense.

Since production operations are constantly changing, such as utilizing athreaded glass seal in place of dimples and an inner shell for attachingthe base, the present method as described is not adaptable for use witha threaded mold lamp seal. Therefore, a need exists for a method ofposition orienting a metal halide lamp base assembly with respect to thecurved arc tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide a methodand an apparatus for position orienting a base with respect to a curvedarc tube which will eliminate the aforementioned problems.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided amethod for position orienting a base assembly with respect to a curvedarc tube of a high intensity discharge lamp, the base assembly includinga base shell having an eyelet and a locator structure attached thereto.The method comprises the steps of providing within the discharge lamp anarc tube support structure coplanar with the arc tube and providingmeans for welding the locator structure to the base shell, the weldingmeans capable of separately receiving and supporting the lamp and thelocator structure. The method further includes disposing the locatorwithin the welding means and positioning the lamp within the weldingmeans such that the base shell and the locator are in operative contactbefore welding. Next a light source is provided proximate to the weldingmeans and the light beam of the light source is aligned perpendicular toboth the longitudinal axis of the lamp and to the plane formed by thearc tube and the locator structure. Furthermore, a screen is providedopposite the lamp such that a shadow image of the arc tube supportstructure is formed thereon when the light beam passes through thecenter of the neck of the lamp and impinges on the screen. Finally, thelamp is rotated radially within the welding means until the plane formedby the arc tube and the support structure is perpendicular to the arctube - locator plane: Thereupon the welding means is activated to weldthe locator structure to the base shell, thereby forming a base assemblythat is position oriented with the curved arc tube.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is provided aposition oriented high intensity discharge lamp comprising a lighttransmissive outer envelope and a curved arc tube disposed within theenvelope and supported by an arc tube support structure that is coplanarwith the arc tube. The lamp further includes a base assembly attached tothe outer envelope, the base assembly having a base eyelet and a locatorstructure affixed externally thereto, the locator disposed at apredetermined distance from the base eyelet.

In accordance with yet another aspect of this invention, there isprovided an apparatus for attaching a tab-type structure to the base ofa high intensity discharge lamp. The apparatus comprises a resistancewelder and a welding fixture attached to the welder including a frame, abottom electrode disposed within the frame having an apertured surface,and means for guiding the lamp within the apparatus in contact with theframe. The apparatus further includes a back stop structure having asurface positioned proximate to the guide means for minimizing the lampmovement within the apparatus and a retractable top electrode positionedabove and spaced from the bottom electrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a typical curved arc tube metal halidelamp base;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a known socket for a highintensity discharge lamp;

FIG. 3 illustrates the top or dome end view when looking down onto acurved arc tube metal halide lamp;

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an actual metal halide lamp containing acurved arc tube therein, a high intensity discharge lamp having theimproved locator structure attached to the base and enlarged view of theimproved locator structure, respectively;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate side and front views of the welding apparatusfor attaching the locator structure onto the lamp base;

FIG. 6 illustrates how the high intensity discharge lamp is positionedin the welding fixture of FIG. 5; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the lamp and the fixture position withrespect to a light source and screen used for aligning the lamp basewith the arc tube.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention together with otherfurther objects, advantages and capabilities thereof reference is madeto the following disclosure and appended claims in connection with theabove described drawings.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 were used to help describe some of the problemsassociated with the prior art methods of positioning or positionorienting a base with respect to a curved arc tube. Reference will bemade throughout the specification to FIGS. 1 and 3 in order to describethe improved method and apparatus for position orienting a base withrespect to a curved arc tube. With respect to FIGS. 4A-4C, FIG. 4Aillustrates a known metal halide lamp 30 in a horizontal position havinga curved arc tube. Lamp 30 in FIG. 4A includes an outer envelope 32, anarc tube 34, an arc tube pressed end 36, an arc tube tip 38, a baseshell 40 and an arc tube support structure 44. FIG. 4B partiallyillustrates an improved metal halide lamp 50 and lamp neck 53 having abase assembly 51 which includes a base shell 52 and a locator structure54. FIG. 4C illustrates an enlarged view locator structure 54 andsurface 56 which will be attached to base shell 52 upon forming the baseassembly 51 illustrated in FIG. 4B.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method forposition orienting a base assembly with respect to a curved arc tube ofa high intensity discharge lamp will be described. The lamp of FIG. 4Ais aligned as viewed in FIG. 3 so that the plane of the arc tube B-B' asshown in FIG. 3 is aligned with the start with the first thread on thethreaded mold of the glass, this alignment being accomplished duringlamp sealing. The lamps sealing, exhaust and basing are then completed,including the base soldering operation. A newly designed tab-typelocator 54 shown in FIG. 4C is then placed in a welding apparatus 60which is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Welding apparatus 60 ilustratedin FIGS. 5A and 5B provides a means for welding locator structure 54 tobase shell 52. The welding apparatus is capable of separately receivingand supporting lamp 50 and locator structure 54. As illustrated in FIG.4C, locator structure 54 is L-shaped in form.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate apparatus 60 for attaching a tab-typestructure to the base of a high intensity discharge lamp. Apparatus 60comprises a resistance welder 61 and welding fixture 62, attached towelder 61, that includes a frame 63, a bottom electrode 64 disposedwithin frame 63, having an apertured surface 66, and two guide pins 68to guide a lamp within fixture 62 positioned on either side of bottomelectrode 64. A back stop 70 is positioned proximate to guide pins 68and a retractable top electrode 72 is positioned above and spaced frombottom electrode 64. Aperture 66 of bottom electrode 64 supports locatorstructure 54 that is to be attached to the lamp base.

The locator structure 54 is next placed in aperture 66 of bottomelectrode 64 of apparatus 60. Lamp 50 is then placed between guide pins68 with the base eyelet being placed in operative contact with back stopstructure 70. Fixture 62 is designed such that the crest of the threadof base shell 52 is always positioned over bottom electrode 64 andaperture 66. With the base eyelet close to back stop 70 the plane of thearc tube B-B', as aligned in FIG. 3, is near to the correct location.The tolerance of plus 1/32 of an inch (0.04 inches) translates into arotational tolerance of about 45 degrees of rotation or about 5/8 of aninch along the crest of the thread on which tab locator structure 54 isto be located. With the alignment illustrated in FIG. 3, the proper tablocation will always fall within that 5/8 of an inch on the threadedcrest. The tab or locator structure is now disposed within weldingapparatus 60 and lamp 50 is positioned within welding apparatus 60 suchthat base shell 52 and locator 54 are in operative contact beforewelding (see FIG. 6).

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 illustrates lamp 50 positioned withinwelding fixture 62 and illustrates lamp support bracket 74, whichsupports lamp 50, that is space from electrode 64. FIG. 6 alsoillustrates that lamp 50 has a longitudinal axis 75 which will help inaligning locator structure 54 with the arc tube of lamp 50. FIG. 6 alsoillustrates that top electrode 72 is retractable and will come down onbase shell 52 to weld locator 54 located within bottom electrode 64, tobase shell 52 when the lamp has been properly aligned.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, FIG. 7A illustrates lamp 50 positionedwithin fixture 62 with respect to a light source 76 and a target orscreen 78 that is used for properly aligning the lamp base and thelocator structure while FIG. 7B illustrates the view through sectionA-A' of FIG. 7A. In particular, light source 76 is located proximate tofixture 62 and a light beam 77 emitted from source 76 is aligned to beperpendicular to both longitudinal axis 75 (see FIG. 7B) of lamp 50 andto the plane formed by the arc tube and the locator structure which isidentified as 80 in FIG. 7A. Light source 76 in FIG. 7A is positionedopposite lamp 50 such that light beam 77 passes through the center ofthe neck 53 of the lamp and impinges on screen 78. Light beam 77 is alsoadjusted to be perpendicular to the plane formed by the lower arc tubesupport structure 44, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, that is attached to arctube 34 (see FIG. 7B).

In this particular embodiment, light beam 77 shinning through neck 53 oflamp 50 will show 2 shadow lines from lower support structure 44 ontoscreen 78 from the two legs of lower support 44. Lamp 50 is then rotatedradially either clockwise or counterclockwise until the two legs ofsupport 44 register as one shadow line on screen 78. At this point, theplane formed by the arc tube and the support structure is perpendicularto the arc tube locator plane 80. Tab or locator structure 54 in bottomelectrode 64 is now about 90 degrees counterclockwise from arc tube tip38 as shown in FIG. 3. Resistance welder 61 is now activated toresistance weld the tab or locator structure 54 to base shell 52,thereby forming a base assembly that is position oriented with respectto curved arc tube 34. FIG. 4B shows locator structure 54 welded to thebase of the lamp.

Therefore, through the use of the aforedescribed method, an improvedposition oriented high intensity discharge lamp has resulted therefrom.Such an improved position oriented discharge lamp is partiallyillustrated from the lamp in FIG. 4A and the base assembly of FIG. 4B.The improved lamp comprises most of the elements of the lamp illustratedin FIG. 4A with base assembly 51 of FIG. 4B. The locator structure 54 ofbase assembly 51 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the baseeyelet. Locator structure 54 also has a predetermined rotationaltolerance radially along base shell 52. The predetermined distance iswithin a range of about one inch to about 1.05 inches and the rotationaltolerance is about 45 degrees of rotation along the crest of the threadof base shell 52.

The advantages of using such an improved metal halide lamp includes theabsence of rejections due to loose bases or cracked seals. The base doesnot have any apertures (due to prior art predrilling to include the pinsfrom the previous lamp) and welding of the locator structure onto thebase will not discolor the brass base, therefore nickel plating of thebase is an unnecessary manufacturing step which also increases theexpense of the lamp.

While there have been shown and described what are at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended Claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for position orienting a base assemblywith respect to a curved arc tube of a high intensity discharge lamp,said base assembly including a base shell having an eyelet and a locatorstructure attached thereto, said method comprising the stepsof:providing within said discharge lamp an arc tube support structurecoplanar with said arc tube; providing means for welding said locatorstructure to said base shell, said welding means capable of separatelyreceiving and supporting each of said lamp and said locator structure;disposing said locator within said welding means and positioning saidlamp within said welding means such that said base shell and saidlocator are in operative contact before welding; providing a lightsource proximate to said welding means and aligning the light beam ofsaid light source perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis of saidlamp and to the plane formed by said arc tube and said locatorstructure; providing a screen opposite said lamp such that a shadowimage of said arc tube support structure is formed thereon when thelight beam passes through the center of the neck of said lamp andimpinges on said screen; rotating said lamp radially within said weldingmeans until the plane formed by said arc tube and said support structureis perpendicular to said arc tube-locator plane; and activating saidwelding means to weld said locator structure to said base shell, therebyforming a base assembly that is position oriented with respect to saidarc tube.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said locatorstructure is of the tab-type.
 3. The method according to claim 2 whereinsaid locator is L-shaped in form.
 4. The method according to claim 1wherein said welding means comprises a welding fixture attached to aresistance welder.
 5. The method according to claim 4 wherein saidwelding fixture comprises a frame, a bottom electrode disposed withinsaid frame, two guide pins to guide said lamp within said fixturepositioned on either side of said bottom electrode, a back stoppositioned proximate to said guide pins and a retractable top electrodepositioned above and spaced from said bottom electrode.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 5 wherein said bottom electrode has a surface with anaperture therein for holding said locator structure within said weldingfixture.
 7. The method according to claim 5 wherein said welding fixturefurther includes a support bracket spaced from said bottom electrode,said bracket providing support for a lamp positioned within said weldingfixture.